Orthodox Church in Greece Comes Out Against Artificial Insemination

Athens, Sept. 16--(AFP) The Greek Orthodox Church on Monday spoke out strongly against a draft law that would allow artificial insemination and fertilisation, calling it a serious threat to Greek family values. "Before it is adopted by parliament, this draft legislation must be discussed by the appropriate bodies and within the Church, as was the case, for example, with legislation on transplants," said a statement by Othodox Church synod.

Last week, the justice ministry proposed draft legislation that would outlaw human cloning, and make it illegal for parents to choose the sex of an unborn child except on serious medical grounds.

But the legislation would provide for artificial insemination and fertilisation under certain circumstances, both for couples and unmarried women.

The Church, however, said this would be a serious threat to family values in Greece, which it pointed out, has the lowest divorce rate in Europe and the highest number of Church marriages.

The Orthodox Church is known for its conservative positions on such issues in Greece, where it has opposed both contraception and abortion.